This research investigates the technical design and economic optimization of an independent hybrid renewable energy system integrated with a Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination plant situated in Alamein, Egypt. The proposed system incorporates photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, energy storage batteries, a power converter, and a backup diesel generator. HOMER software is employed to conduct simulations, evaluating the optimal system configuration and component sizing based on the objective of achieving the lowest possible cost of energy (COE). The analysis encompasses sensitivity analysis, net present cost (NPC) calculations, and an assessment of pollutant gas emissions. The primary function of the proposed system is to fulfill the electrical energy demands of the RO plant, which has a daily freshwater production capacity of 250 cubic meters.
The results demonstrate that the optimal system configuration, yielding a COE of $0.104/kWh, comprises 200kW of PV panels, one 100kW wind turbine, and a 250kW diesel generator. When compared to alternative system designs, this specific configuration emerges as the most suitable and cost-competitive solution for the desalination plant's energy requirements.